“Passion for cybersecurity drives innovation.”
Andres Prieto’s journey into OT cybersecurity was inspired by his interest in cybersecurity and his work experience in the OT environment. Early in his career, he worked extensively in IT, gaining exposure to networking, system administration, and cybersecurity principles. However, his career path led him to explore Operational Technology (OT), where he quickly realized the critical need for cybersecurity in protecting industrial control systems (ICS). His background in both IT and OT has given him a unique perspective on how to bridge the gap between these traditionally separate domains.
Andres approaches OT cybersecurity with a comprehensive understanding of both the technical challenges and the operational constraints, ensuring that security measures enhance rather than hinder industrial processes. His ability to integrate IT and OT knowledge allows him to develop robust security strategies that are both effective and practical, addressing the unique needs of industrial environments.
Fascination with OT Security
Andres finds the complexity and uniqueness of each industrial environment fascinating. Unlike traditional IT systems, OT environments involve legacy equipment, proprietary protocols, and stringent uptime requirements, making security a delicate balance. The challenge of securing critical infrastructure—where a security incident could impact human safety, environmental integrity, or national security—adds pressure and importance to his work.
Andres finds it incredibly rewarding to develop innovative solutions that protect these systems while ensuring uninterrupted operations. His fascination with OT security drives him to continuously seek out new methods and technologies to enhance the protection of industrial systems. By staying at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements, Andres ensures that his strategies are always evolving to meet the latest threats and challenges.
Staying Informed
Staying ahead of emerging threats requires continuous learning and active engagement with the cybersecurity community. Andres relies on a combination of industry reports, threat intelligence platforms, and professional networking. Subscribing to sources like CISA, MITRE ATT&CK for ICS, and ISACs (Information Sharing and Analysis Centers) keeps him updated on the latest threats.
He also participates in cybersecurity conferences, training programs, and collaborates with industry peers to exchange insights.
Additionally, “Anders’s hands-on experience with cybersecurity labs and simulations helps him stay prepared for evolving threats. he believes that staying informed is not just about keeping up with the latest news but also about understanding the underlying trends and patterns in cybersecurity”. This deep understanding allows him to anticipate potential threats and develop proactive measures to counter them.
Balancing Technical and Human Factors
Balancing technical and human factors in OT security requires a people-first approach. Many security challenges arise from human errors, lack of awareness, or resistance to change. “Andres prioritizes cybersecurity awareness programs tailored to OT personnel, ensuring that engineers and operators understand security risks and best practices. Implementing user-friendly security measures, such as rolebased access controls and anomaly detection systems, also minimizes the risk of human error.”
Building strong relationships with OT teams and involving them in security planning fosters collaboration rather than resistance. He understands that the success of cybersecurity measures depends on the people who implement and follow them. By focusing on education and collaboration, he ensures that security protocols are not only effective but also embraced by the entire organization.
Proactive Cybersecurity
“Andres strongly believes in a proactive cybersecurity approach. Instead of merely responding to incidents, he focuses on risk assessment, threat modeling, and preventive controls.” Regular vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and network segmentation are key strategies I implements to mitigate risks before they become incidents. Additionally, implementing a robust Security Operations Center (SOC) with real-time monitoring enables early threat detection.
Proactive security not only minimizes risks but also enhances operational resilience. Andres’s proactive approach involves continuously evaluating and improving security measures to stay ahead of potential threats. By anticipating and addressing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, he ensures that industrial systems remain secure and resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Future of OT Security
Automation, AI, and machine learning are transforming OT security by enabling more efficient threat detection and response. AI-driven anomaly detection can identify deviations from normal industrial processes, helping detect cyber threats that traditional methods might miss. However, integrating these technologies in OT requires careful consideration of reliability, accuracy, and impact on real time operations. In the future, AI will play a crucial role in predictive maintenance and cybersecurity, making OT environments smarter and more secure.
Andres is excited about the potential of these technologies to revolutionize OT security. He believes that by leveraging AI and machine learning, organizations can achieve a higher level of security and operational efficiency, ultimately leading to safer and more reliable industrial systems.
Advice for Young Professionals
For young professionals entering OT cybersecurity, Andres advises developing a strong understanding of both IT and industrial systems. Learning cybersecurity fundamentals, networking, and programming is essential, but equally important is gaining hands-on experience with ICS, SCADA, and industrial protocols. Certifications like ISA/IEC 62443 can provide a structured learning path.
Most importantly, cultivating a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity will help navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape. “Andres emphasizes the importance of practical experience and encourages young professionals to seek out opportunities to work directly with industrial systems.” By building a solid foundation in both IT and OT, they can develop the skills needed to address the unique challenges of OT cybersecurity.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Andres faced was bridging the cultural and technical gap between IT and OT teams. Early in his career, he encountered resistance from OT personnel who viewed IT as their enemy. Overcoming this challenge required patience, effective communication, and a collaborative approach. Andres learned to be the translator between IT and OT, listen to operational concerns, propose security solutions that align with business objectives, and advocate for security as an enabler rather than a hindrance These experiences have shaped him into a leader who values collaboration, adaptability, and strategic thinking.
Andres’s ability to bridge the gap between IT and OT has been instrumental in fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual understanding, ultimately leading to more effective and cohesive security strategies.
Sense of Purpose
The greatest sense of purpose in Andres’ work comes from knowing that he is contributing to the security and resilience of critical infrastructure. Protecting industrial systems from cyber threats means safeguarding lives and ensuring the continuous operation of manufacturing sites.
Andres aligns his personal mission with this broader goal by reviewing best practices, sharing experiences and knowledge with his team and others, and continuously innovating to enhance security in OT environments.
He takes pride in knowing that his efforts help protect vital systems that people rely on every day. This sense of purpose drives him to continually strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the field of OT cybersecurity.
Misconceptions about OT Cybersecurity
One common misconception about OT cybersecurity is that it can be treated the same as IT security. While IT security principles are applicable, OT environments have unique constraints such as legacy systems, real-time requirements, and operational safety considerations. Applying IT-centric security controls without understanding industrial processes can lead to operational disruptions. It is crucial for organizations to recognize that OT cybersecurity requires a tailored approach that balances security with reliability, ensuring that industrial operations remain safe and efficient.
This doesn’t mean IT tools cannot be leveraged in OT environments, but they must be deployed consciously and differently, especially regarding governance and requirements. Andres advocates for a nuanced understanding of OT cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for specialized strategies that address the distinct challenges of industrial environments.
